Manipulation device with force read-out

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Presently, when a healthcare provider, such as a chiropractor, a physical therapist, or a physician, applies a force to a region on a patient's body, the provider has no clear indication of how much force is actually being applied. If the provider applies too much force, the provider may inadvertently aggravate the patient's symptoms or cause bodily harm. Currently, healthcare providers use subjective terms such as mild or moderate when measuring force. It would be beneficial to provide a device that provides real time objective information and stored data to be analyzed and documented later about the amount of force that is being applied to the patient by the health care provider.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly, the present invention provides a manipulation and force measuring device comprising a planar force sensing resistor, a protective material surrounding the resistor, and an outer material surrounding the protective material. A first strap extends outwardly from the outer material. The first strap has one of a hook and loop fastener disposed thereon. A second strap extends outwardly from the outer material, distal from the first strap. The second strap has the other of the hook and loop fastener disposed thereon. A processor is attached to one of the first strap and the second strap. The processor is electronically connected to the resistor. A loop extends outwardly from the outer material. The loop is located proximate to the first strap. A method of operating the device is also provided.

Further, the present invention provides a spinal manipulation glove comprising a palm portion having a first planar force sensing resistor, a first protective material surrounding the first resistor, and a first outer material surrounding the first protective material. A dorsal portion has a second planar force sensing resistor, a second protective material surrounding the second resistor, and a second outer material surrounding the second protective material. A wrist portion having a processor is coupled to the dorsal portion. The processor is electronically connected to the first resistor and to the second resistor. A method of operating the glove is also provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of this specification, illustrate the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and, together with the general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the features of the invention. In the drawings:

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a manipulation device according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a perspective view of the manipulation device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, worn by a user;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref> is a perspective view of the manipulation device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, worn on a user in a different configuration than worn in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2B</figref> is a perspective view of the manipulation device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, worn on a user in the same configuration as worn in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2A</figref>, but viewed from a different angle;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2C</figref> is a perspective view of the use of the manipulation device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> to perform cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an infant;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref> is a perspective view of the use of the manipulation device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> to perform CPR on a child;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2E</figref> is a perspective view of the use of the manipulation device of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> to perform CPR on an adult;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is an exploded perspective view of the manipulation device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is an exemplary graphical user interface (“GUI”) of a force readout display for use with the manipulation device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is an exemplary GUI of alert parameters for use with the manipulation device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is an exemplary GUI of a force readout display for use with the manipulation device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, incorporating the alert parameters from <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the manipulation device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a perspective view of a manipulation device according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, being worn by a user;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a sectional view of the device taken along lines <b>9</b>-<b>9</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>;

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary operation of the manipulation device shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>; and

<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a perspective view of a manipulation device according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements throughout. Certain terminology is used herein for convenience only and is not to be taken as a limitation on the present invention. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. As used herein, the term “glove” is a device that covers the hand of the wearer. Such a glove may have fingers or be fingerless. Further, the term “force” can be defined by objective measuring numbers such as pounds or millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Manipulation can be interpreted to further include pressure, thrust, mobilization and/or manipulation. The embodiments illustrated below are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. These embodiments are chosen and described to best explain the principle of the invention and its application and practical use and to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention.

Reference herein to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments necessarily mutually exclusive of other embodiments. The same applies to the term “implementation.”

As used in this application, the word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion.

Additionally, the term “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive “or”. That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, “X employs A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form.

The inventive force measuring device for healthcare providers is used to objectively measure the amount of force applied to a patient, such as during mobilizations, manipulations, and during CPR to allow for reproducibility, consistency and future studies of optimal pressure for selected population for which force, thrust or pressure is required.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 1-3</figref>, a first exemplary embodiment of a manipulation device <b>100</b> according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. When in use, device <b>100</b> is removably attached to the hand <b>50</b> of a healthcare provider, such as, for example, a physical therapist, a chiropractor, a physician, a student learning how to manipulate a patient, or other such healthcare professional. Device <b>100</b> measures and displays the amount of force that the healthcare provider is applying to a patient in real-time, so that the healthcare provider knows how much force is being applied, and can reduce the amount of force if the force is excessive, or apply additional force if the force is too low. The amount and duration of the applied force can be stored for later review and/or documentation.

Device <b>100</b> includes a force sensing resistor assembly <b>102</b>, a wrist strap <b>104</b>, a thumb strap <b>106</b>, and a processor/transmitter <b>150</b>. Wrist strap <b>104</b> and thumb strap <b>106</b> are attached to resistor assembly <b>102</b>, while processor/transmitter <b>108</b> is attached to wrist strap <b>104</b>. Device <b>100</b> can be worn on user's hand <b>50</b> as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>. While device <b>100</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> as being worn on the left hand, the construction of device <b>100</b> allows device <b>100</b> to be worn on the right hand (not shown).

Device <b>100</b> can also be worn by placing the force sensing resistor <b>102</b> against the ulnar aspect of the hand <b>50</b> with thumb strap <b>106</b> now on digit <b>5</b> (pinky finger) and wrist strap <b>104</b> either wrapped around or, alternatively, not wrapped around the writs, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 2A and 2B</figref>. An exemplary use of device <b>100</b> in this configuration is for a desired mobilization or manipulation.

The construction of device <b>100</b> allows device <b>100</b> to be used both palmar or ulnar aspect on hand and both left and right hand. Device <b>100</b> can also be used by not using straps <b>104</b>, <b>106</b>, but by placing the force sensing resistor assembly <b>102</b> against a desired location on the patient so that one or more digits of user's hand <b>50</b> can apply force through device <b>100</b> if desired by the user.

Device <b>100</b> can be used for mobilization/manipulation, two-finger cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on an infant, one-hand CPR for a child, or two-hand CPR for an adult. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2C</figref> shows the use of device <b>100</b> used in performing CPR on an infant <b>70</b>, by placing device <b>100</b> on the infant's chest and pressing down on the chest, through device <b>100</b>, with two fingers <b>72</b>, <b>74</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2D</figref> shows the use of device <b>100</b> used in performing CPR on a child <b>80</b>, by placing device <b>100</b> on the child's chest and pressing down on the chest, through device <b>100</b>, with one hand <b>82</b>. <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2E</figref> shows the use of device <b>100</b> used in performing CPR on an adult <b>90</b>, by placing device <b>100</b> on the adult's chest and pressing down on the chest, through device <b>100</b>, with two hands <b>92</b>, <b>94</b>.

Device <b>100</b> uses a planar force sensing resistor <b>110</b> that changes resistance due to deformation as a force is applied to device <b>100</b>. An exemplary resistor can be the model SEN-09376, manufactured by Karlsson Robotics. The change in resistance can be measured and correlated to the amount of force being applied to resistor <b>110</b>, as is well known in the art.

As shown in the exploded view of device <b>100</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, force sensing resistor assembly <b>102</b> includes resistors <b>110</b>, <b>112</b>, <b>114</b>, a protective material <b>120</b>, and an outer material <b>130</b>. Three planar force sensing resistors <b>110</b>, <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> are used in device <b>100</b>, although those skilled in the art will recognize that more or less than three resistors can be used. If more than one resistor <b>110</b> is used, resistors, such as resistors <b>110</b>, <b>112</b>, <b>114</b> are electrically connected to each other in series, as is well known in the art. When the user attaches device <b>100</b> to his/her hand, resistor <b>110</b> is located along the thenar eminence of the user's hand.

Protective material <b>120</b> surrounds resistor <b>110</b>. Protective material <b>120</b> includes a first layer <b>122</b> that is disposed on one side of resistor <b>110</b>, and a second layer <b>124</b> that is disposed on an opposing side of resistor <b>110</b>. Protective material <b>120</b> serves to give structure to resistor assembly <b>102</b> and to protect resistors <b>110</b>, <b>112</b>, <b>114</b>. An exemplary protective material <b>120</b> is a high density foam.

Outer material <b>130</b> surrounds protective material <b>120</b>. Outer material <b>130</b> includes a first layer <b>132</b> that is disposed on one side of resistor <b>110</b> and a second layer <b>134</b> that is disposed on the opposing side of resistor <b>110</b>. An exemplary outer material <b>130</b> is a medical grade material, such as medical grade nylon.

Wrist strap <b>104</b> includes a first strap <b>140</b> that extends outwardly from outer material <b>130</b>. First strap has one of a hook <b>141</b> and loop <b>143</b> fastener disposed thereon. A second strap <b>142</b> extends outwardly from outer material <b>130</b>, distal from first strap <b>140</b>. Second strap has the other of the hook <b>141</b> and loop <b>143</b> fastener disposed thereon. Straps <b>140</b>, <b>142</b> are sufficiently long to allow first strap <b>140</b> to be releasably secured to second strap <b>140</b> around the wrist of the user. Straps <b>140</b>, <b>142</b> can be constructed from an elastic material to allow wrist strap <b>104</b> to be adjusted based on the size of the user's wrist or for the comfort of the user.

Processor/transmitter <b>150</b> is attached to one of first strap <b>140</b> and second strap <b>142</b>. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, processor <b>150</b> is attached to second strap <b>142</b>. Processor/transmitter <b>150</b> is electronically connected to resistor <b>110</b> by a flexible connection, such as wires (not shown). Any wires can be sewn into strap <b>142</b> to protect the wires and prevent the wires from being inadvertently pulled out from either processor/transmitter <b>150</b> or resistor <b>110</b>.

Processor/transmitter <b>150</b> provides an electrical signal to resistor <b>110</b>. As device <b>100</b> is being used, resistor <b>110</b> deflects, changing its electrical resistance. Processor/transmitter <b>150</b> receives the changed resistance in the form of a change in voltage, which is processed as a force being applied to resistor <b>110</b>. Any electrical circuit that is known to be able to convert change in resistance into applied force can be used to electrically connect processor/transmitter <b>150</b> to resistor <b>110</b>, and

The applied force can be displayed on a display screen (not shown) on processor/transmitter <b>150</b>. Alternatively, processor/transmitter <b>150</b> can include a radio frequency transmitter to transmit the force information to a remote receiver, such as a cell phone or other electronic data device. An exemplary receiver <b>160</b> is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

Receiver <b>160</b> displays a graphical user interface (“GUI”) <b>400</b> that includes discrete information about the force applied by device <b>100</b>, such as, for example, the present force <b>162</b> being applied, the maximum force <b>164</b> that was applied during this particular session, and the average force <b>166</b> that was applied during this particular session. Also, receiver <b>160</b> can display a graph <b>168</b> showing how the force has been applied over a period of time. GUI <b>400</b> can be displayed directly on processor/transmitter <b>150</b> is processor/transmitter <b>150</b> is equipped with a display device. Alternatively, GUI <b>400</b> can be displayed on a remote electronic device if processor/transmitter <b>150</b> is equipped with a radio frequency transmitter.

A recording button <b>169</b> records measurements taken over time and logs the measurements for later review. A “SPEEDTEST” icon <b>170</b> can generate a homepage. A “RESULTS” icon <b>172</b> can be pressed to display the results obtained from recording button <b>169</b>. A “SETTINGS” icon <b>174</b> can be pressed to display appropriate settings and connection (i.e., Bluetooth, etc.) information. Additionally, “SETTINGS” icon <b>174</b> can be pressed to generate “Alert Parameters” GUI <b>500</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>.

“Alert Parameters” GUI <b>500</b> allows the user to set a maximum force <b>182</b>, a minimum force <b>184</b>, and a target thrust <b>186</b> (if desired) for use with a patient (not shown). These parameters may be varied according to patient.

After the maximum force <b>182</b> and minimum force <b>184</b> parameters are set, GUI <b>600</b> displays maximum force <b>182</b> and minimum force <b>184</b> as straight lines across graph <b>168</b>. The applied force values over time are superimposed onto graph <b>168</b> as line <b>188</b>.

The force values and graphs shown in GUI <b>400</b>, <b>500</b>, <b>600</b> provide the user with objective values to target and observe the amount of force applied to the patient, rather than subjective values, such as “mild”, “moderate”, or “heavy,” which can vary between users as well as patients. A user may be able to correlate the subjective values with objective force values. By way of example only, a “moderate” force may be in a range of between about 15 lbs and 25 lbs. A “mild” force may be less between about 2 lbs and about 15 lbs and a “heavy” force may be greater than 25 lbs.

Referring back to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, thumb loop <b>106</b> extends outwardly from outer material <b>130</b>. Loop <b>106</b> is located proximate to strap <b>142</b>. Loop <b>106</b> can be constructed from a single material, or, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, loop <b>106</b> can be constructed from a first loop material <b>144</b> and a second loop material <b>146</b> that are joined together. To allow the user's thumb to be inserted into thumb loop <b>106</b> such that thumb loop <b>106</b> can fit snugly onto the thumb of the user, thumb loop <b>106</b> can be manufactured from an elastic material.

An exemplary operation of device <b>100</b> is illustrated in flow chart <b>700</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>. To use device <b>100</b>, in step <b>702</b>, the user, if desired, can use GUI <b>500</b> to set values for maximum force <b>182</b> and minimum force <b>184</b> for the present patient. In step <b>704</b>, the user then decides which hand to use, his/her left hand or right hand, and in step <b>706</b>, the user puts device <b>100</b> onto his/her hand <b>50</b> by inserting the appropriate thumb into thumb loop <b>106</b>. With his/her other hand, the user wraps straps <b>140</b>, <b>142</b> around his/her wrist, releasably securing wrist strap <b>140</b> to wrist strap <b>142</b>. With device <b>100</b> secured around his/her wrist, resistor <b>110</b> is located at the user's thenar eminence and hypothenar eminence.

In step <b>708</b>, the user places device <b>100</b> against the patient and performs a manipulation, a mobilization, or a CPR thrust, looking at graph <b>168</b> and applied force values on graph line <b>188</b>. If the user set values for minimum force <b>182</b> and maximum force <b>184</b>, the user strives to maintain the applied force between the preset minimum force <b>182</b> and maximum force <b>184</b> values, and adjusts the amount of applied force to remain between those values. The user applies the force for whatever amount of time the user feels appropriate, or when the user feels that the patient has been properly manipulated, mobilized, or CPR performed.

Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 8-9</figref> a manipulation device <b>200</b> according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Device <b>200</b> includes a fingerless glove <b>202</b> that can be worn on the user's hand <b>50</b> when performing spinal manipulations, mobilizations, or CPR thrusts. Because glove <b>202</b> is fingerless, glove <b>202</b> can be used on either the user's left hand or right hand.

As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, glove <b>202</b> includes a palm portion <b>204</b> having a first planar force sensing resistor <b>210</b>. While a single resistor <b>210</b> is shown being used in device <b>200</b>, those skilled in the art will recognize that more than one resistor <b>210</b> can be used. For example, an additional resistor (not shown) can be provided that corresponds to the fifth metacarpal, and/or the palm. If more than one resistor <b>210</b> is used, resistors are electrically connected to each other in series, as is well known in the art. When the user puts device <b>200</b> over his/her hand, resistor <b>210</b> is located along the thenar eminence and the hypothenar eminence of the user's hand.

A first protective material <b>220</b> surrounds first resistor <b>210</b>. First protective material <b>220</b> includes a first layer <b>222</b> that is disposed on one side of resistor <b>210</b>, and a second layer <b>224</b> that is disposed on an opposing side of resistor <b>210</b>. Protective material <b>220</b> serves to give structure to palm portion <b>204</b> and to protect resistor <b>210</b>. An exemplary protective material <b>220</b> is a high density foam.

A first outer material <b>230</b> surrounds first protective material <b>220</b>. Outer material <b>230</b> includes a first layer <b>232</b> that is disposed on one side of resistor <b>210</b> and a second layer <b>234</b> that is disposed on the opposing side of resistor <b>210</b>. An exemplary outer material <b>230</b> is a medical grade material, such as nylon. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, first layer <b>232</b> can be integral with palm portion <b>204</b>.

Glove <b>202</b> also includes a dorsal portion <b>206</b> that includes a second planar force sensing resistor <b>240</b>. While a single resistor <b>240</b> is shown being used in device <b>200</b>, those skilled in the art will recognize that more than one resistor <b>240</b> can be used. If more than one resistor <b>240</b> is used, resistors are electrically connected to each other in series, as is well known in the art. When the user puts device <b>200</b> over his/her hand, resistor <b>240</b> is located along the back of the user's wrist, and may possibly be not used to apply force to the patient. Resistor <b>240</b> is used when the user puts glove <b>202</b> onto the other hand, in which case resistor <b>240</b> will be located along the thenar eminence of the user's other hand.

A second protective material <b>260</b> surrounds second resistor <b>240</b>. Second protective material <b>260</b> includes a first layer <b>262</b> that is disposed on one side of resistor <b>240</b>, and a second layer <b>264</b> that is disposed on an opposing side of resistor <b>240</b>. Protective material <b>260</b> serves to give structure to dorsal portion <b>206</b> and to protect resistor <b>240</b>. An exemplary protective material <b>260</b> is a high density foam.

A second outer material <b>270</b> surrounds second protective material <b>260</b>. Outer material <b>270</b> includes a first layer <b>272</b> that is disposed on one side of resistor <b>240</b> and a second layer <b>274</b> that is disposed on the opposing side of resistor <b>240</b>. An exemplary outer material <b>270</b> is a medical grade material, such as nylon. As shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, first layer <b>272</b> can be integral with dorsal portion <b>206</b>.

Glove <b>202</b> also includes a wrist portion <b>208</b> having a processor/transmitter <b>250</b> coupled thereto. Processor/transmitter <b>250</b> is electronically connected to first resistor <b>210</b> and to second resistor <b>240</b>. Similar to device <b>100</b>, processor/transmitter <b>250</b> further comprises one of a visual display and a radio frequency transmitter. Further, similar to device <b>100</b>, device <b>200</b> can have a visual display (not shown) physically attached to processor/transmitter <b>250</b>, or, alternatively, can be linked via radio frequency to a remote device, such as device <b>160</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.

An exemplary operation of device <b>200</b> is illustrated in flow chart <b>1000</b>, shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>. To use device <b>200</b>, in step <b>1002</b>, the user, if desired, can use GUI <b>500</b> to set values for maximum force <b>182</b> and minimum force <b>184</b> for the present patient. In step <b>1004</b>, the user then decides which hand to use, his/her left hand or right hand, and in step <b>1006</b>, the user inserts the selected hand <b>50</b> into glove <b>202</b>. Resistor <b>210</b> is located at the user's thenar eminence and hypothenar eminence, while resistor <b>240</b>, which is not being used with the selected hand, is on the dorsal wrist.

In step <b>1008</b>, the user places device <b>200</b> against the patient and performs a manipulation, mobilization, or CPR thrust, looking at graph <b>168</b> and applied force values on graph line <b>188</b>. If the user set values for minimum force <b>182</b> and maximum force <b>184</b>, the user strives to maintain the applied force between the preset minimum force <b>182</b> and maximum force <b>184</b> values, and adjusts the amount of applied force to remain between those values. The user applies the force for whatever amount of time the user feels appropriate, or when the user feels that the patient has been properly manipulated, mobilized, or CPR force applied.

An alternative embodiment of a manipulation device <b>300</b> according to a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>. Device <b>300</b> includes a glove <b>302</b> that has a finger opening <b>304</b> to allow a plurality of fingers (ie., four fingers) to be inserted therethrough, and two openings <b>306</b>, <b>308</b> for thumbs. Openings <b>306</b>, <b>308</b> are located on either side of finger opening <b>304</b>. The two openings <b>306</b>, <b>308</b> allow for glove <b>302</b> to be worn on either the right hand or the left hand of the user. A resistor assembly <b>310</b>, similar to resistor assembly <b>102</b> described above, is sewn into palm portion <b>312</b> of glove <b>302</b> so that resistor assembly <b>310</b> is located at the user's thenar eminence and hypothenar eminence, regardless of which hand is inserted into glove <b>302</b>. Resistor assembly <b>310</b> is electronically connected to a processor/transmitter <b>350</b> located in a wrist portion <b>303</b> of glove <b>302</b>, similar to processor/transmitters <b>150</b>, <b>250</b> described above.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.